Not looking for a fancy-pants French manicure? Anyone can master the basics for great-looking nails...

1 Wash your hands and dry them completely. Leftover moisture can cause your nails to tear or split during the filing process.

2 To shorten your nails a considerable length, use a clipper and start cutting on one side and work toward the other – never start in the middle. Otherwise, skip ahead to step three.

3 Once you’ve reached the desired length, hold the file at 45-degree angle to your nail. This will prevent filing in uneven layers, which can cause nails to split or break.

4 File with long, even strokes from one side of your nail to the other. Sawlike motions can break your nails, especially if they’re already weak.

5 Buffing is essential. Running a buffing block on top of your nailbeds and on the tips (again, in long, even strokes) smooths out the finish.

6 When speaking, use grandly exaggerated hand motions so people will take notice of your new claws.